Chitradurga Fort

Chitradurga fort is a fort that lies on several hills and a peak overlooking a valley in the Chitradurga District of the south Indian state of Karnataka .

“Chitra durg(a)” literally translates to 'picturesque fort' in Kannada language that is spoken in the state, and this is also the name of the town Chitradurga where the fort is situated.

Chitradurga fort had various inscriptions on it when discovered that trace its history to the period of the reign of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s reign which is between 268 BCE to 232 BCE, and went into hands of Hoysalas many years after his reign.

Between 1500 AD and 1800 AD, Chitradurga Fort faced some turbulences as Vijayanagar empire in the region gained control from Hoysalas. After 1565 AD, the next clan that ruled here – the Nayakas – took control of Chitradurga and the fort, and they ruled the region for more than 200 years, until they were defeated by Hyder Ali of Mysore Kingdom, in 1779 AD. During all these years, Chitradurga Fort was central to the reigns, particularly of the Nayakas.

The Chitradurga Fort has around 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, 35 secret entrances, four invisible passages, water tanks and about 2000 watch towers which were built to guard and keep vigil on the enemy incursions.

The storage warehouses, pits, and reservoirs within the fort complex were primarily designed to ensure the food, water and military supplies for soldiers could endure long sieges.

The fort has seven walls. Each wall has a gate with ascending access through winding narrow corridors that could ensure attacks using elephants could not happen here. Four gates (called Bagilu) are given to the outermost walls:

• Rangayyana Bagilu
• Siddayyana Bagilu
• Ucchangi Bagilu
• Lalkote Bagilu

Initially, the fort was built in mud but was subsequently strengthened with granite stone slabs in selected stretches during the course of the 18th century.

Chitradurg, where the Chitradurga fort is located, can be reached by air, rail or road.

• By Air: There are two airports close to Chitradurga –
  • Hubli Airport (about 186 km away) – a domestic airport (for travels within India)
  • Kempe Gowda International Airport – for travels to and from places within and outside which is 197 km away, in Bengaluru city

Buses, trains and cabs are available from these to reach the fort easily.

• By Rail: Chitradurg’s major railway terminal is the Chitradurga railway station – which is connected to the major cities in India. Visitors can arrive here and take buses or taxis at the station to the fort.
• By Road: The city has good road connectivity from all the neighbouring major cities, and both KSRTC buses and private buses can be taken to travel from these to Chitradurg. Taxis are easily available from these bus terminals to take visitors to the fort.

The Chitradurga Fort is open to visitors between 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM every day. An entry fee of INR 20 (in case of e-ticket) or INR 25 (in case of cash payment) is applied for Indian citizens as well as SAARC & BIMSTEC country citizens or tourists, and INR 250 (in case of e-ticket) or INR 300 (in case of cash payment) is applicable for other foreign national visitors. However, neither fee is applicable to children who are below the age of 15 years.

Nearby attractions to the Chitradurga fort:

• Hidimbeshwar Temple – A temple situated inside the Chitradurga fort; it is believed that the legendary demon Hidimb and his sister Hidimba who married the Pandava Bhim (in the Indian epic of Mahabharata) used to stay here. This temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture – it is carved from rock and features intricate designs and rock carvings.
• Vani Vilas Sagar Dam – A beautiful dam constructed using modern-day engineering techniques, and surrounded by lots of greenery and natural wonder, it provides an enchanting view and serene atmosphere to hang out in.